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King Philip II had begun his reign in 1556. He was King of spain, son of Charles V (The Holy Roman Emperor) . He was one of the strongest supporters of militant Catholicism.
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Elizabeth Tudor had become the Protestant Leader of Europe. She repealed the laws favoring Catholics. She also claimed to be "the only supreme governor", giving her power over church and state. She converted the Church of England to a moderate form of Protestantism that kept most people happy.
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Calvinism and Catholicism had become highly militant religions. They were aggressive in winning coverts and destroying each other's authority. This conflict was the main reason of religious wars that plagued Europe in the 16th century.
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The religious wars of france is often called the Thirty Year's war, The war was between the Protestants and the Catholics. Catholic Kings had Protestants prosecuted, but this did not stop the spread of Protestantism.
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The Battle of Lepanto was won by Spain. The conflict started when King Philip II tried to convert Protestant Turks to Catholicism using force. Although he won the battle, the next few conflicts he would have would not be so successful.
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Philip II made plans to attack England. His plan was to use the powerful navy, called the Spanish Armada to destroy England's fleet and then invade the land. This plan was unsuccessful because the Spanish Armada was defeated by Endgland's faster ships.
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King Philip had really done it now with Spain. He had left the country bankrupt. He caused too many conflicts, and spent too much on war.
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The Tudor Dynasty ended with the Death of Queen Elizabeth I.
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King Philip tried to gain more control of the area around him. He tried to convert the Netherland area of 17 provinces to Catholicism. This was not an easy task because much of these 17 provinces were Calvinists. The Dutch resistance died down by the issuing of a 12-year truce.
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English Parliament formed a Petition of Rights, limiting the power of the King.
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Civil war in England broke out between the Royalists (supporters of the King) and the Roundheads. (supporters of the Parliament)
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Parliament had Charles I executed. Then Parliament abolished the monarchy.
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Cromwell who was the dictator of England had died.
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Realizing how unpopular the dictatorship had become, the army restored the monarchy and let the son of Charles I, Charles II take the throne.
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After Charles II death, King James came to power. King James was a devout Catholic and put Catholics in high-ranking positions. This angered the Parliament and caused more conflicts.